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Old Bell, Harrogate
Harrogate
HG1 2SZ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 7½ of 10) see review guidelines
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Real Ale Ray left this review about Old Bell Tavern
Really liked this well run pub, offering nine hand pulled ales. Our Roosters YPA was a real treat and not overpriced. The staff in here were friendly and chatty and the atmosphere was upbeat. I noticed that the end of the bar counter was made up from an old dresser, which was an unusual piece of furniture in itself. Maybe this item of furniture was used in the original shop.
On 29th May 2015
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3382 recommendations about 3381 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Quinno _ left this review about Old Bell Tavern
Run by the same bunch as Brigantes in York (Market Town Tavern). A two-roomed pub converted from a toffee (yes, toffee not coffee) shop. The bar is to the left with a general seating room to the right which houses a rather lovely feature - a large set of dark wood engraved shelves (previously used to store said toffee). Lots of dark wood and old turn-of-the-century advertising signs add to the traditional Edwardian style atmosphere they’re striving to create though as noted by Oldboots, it’s more of a European style bar than traditional British pub (the nearby Hales fills that latter description more than adequately though). A good selection of ales from eight pumps, my Roosters Azacca went down fine. Also an impressive range of craft keg and exotic bottled beers. Very tidy place with nice views of the historic town centre.
On 1st April 2015
- rating: 8
[User has posted 5099 recommendations about 5082 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about Old Bell Tavern
Another two visits over the weekend and another meal upstairs. The Saltaire Stateside IPA & Roosters Last Stand were both on excellent form and I had several of each over the 2 days.
08/03/2011
Called in twice over a recent weekend, once to eat in the excellent upstairs bistro again and once just for a couple of drinks. Every beer you have here is is top class condition. There's quite a few good pubs in Harrogate, but this may well be the best.
18/09/09
One of the small chain of pubs owned by Market Town Taverns, they were a no smoking chain even before the ban. I've never been in a poor pub owned by this chain and this is one of the best. Great range of ever changing guests, usually involving a Roosters. Bar food is good and there is a top class restaurant upstairs (recommended). This pub was extended into the adjacent shop and gets so packed on a Saturday it could do to extend again. The bar staff manage to deal with the waiting masses very well. It may take a few minutes to get served at busy times but you'll be served in turn. Don't miss it.
On 5th July 2013
- rating: 9
[User has posted 3224 recommendations about 3135 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Old Boots left this review about Old Bell Tavern
A super example of one of Market Town Tavern's bars, much like the others on the basics; excellent staff, wide range of superbly kept beers from local and European breweries, well chosen décor showing all round good taste with old brewery ads, and historic local pictures. A changing choice of 9 UK ales, 1 cider and 4 draught beers from Europe plus lots of lovely bottles. A few UK keg beers also available. The clientele is drawn largely from the middle classes and the over thirties, do remember this one is in Harrogate of course. Food a big seller but for limited periods each day, 12 – 2:30 and 6-7pm. No TV, music or under 18s. Well run place but just a bit souless, much more a European bar than a British pub in style. The premises used to be Farrah's Toffee Shop and President Bill Clinton used this pub once.
On 22nd October 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3269 recommendations about 2978 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Blackthorn _ left this review about Old Bell Tavern
This is a great pub, lots of wood panelling, massive range of beers detailed on the menu's left on each table, several foreign lagers and Addlestone's cider on tap.
Hundreds of beer mats on the ceiling are an interesting feature as are the photo's on the wall. Large windows at the front with a good view of the hotel.
Menu looks good, although we didn't try it ourselves. Lots of specials as well, predominantly fish.
Seem keen on kicking out though with lots of flashing of lights and ringing of bells at 10:50 (or even 10:20 on a Sunday).
On 30th June 2009
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1948 recommendations about 1861 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
James Joines left this review about Old Bell Tavern
A Market Town tavern
On 19th February 2009
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 841 recommendations about 835 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Alan Winfield left this review about Old Bell Tavern
This is the first pub i found in Harrogate after getting off the train and it was a really nice pub with a very good choice of beers on the bar.
The pub was quite nice inside with lots of different drinking areas and comfortable seating i had a drink of Acorn Sovereign and this was a very nice drink there was also Rudgate mild, Taylor Golden best and Black Sheep bitter plus 4 more real ales on the bar.
I thought this was a nice comfortable pub to have a few drinks in.
Pub visited 16/7/2007
On 16th July 2007
- rating: 8
[User has posted 6113 recommendations about 6113 pubs]